|
Choose one from column “A”… One from column “B”… and
One from column “C”….
Wouldn’t you like that kind of choice when you pick a
boat? A grab bag of alternatives could provide hundreds of combinations.
What’s not to like? The problem is, buying boats is not like ordering
from a Chinese restaurant. Trust me builders would love to accommodate
as many different needs as possible. Nobody wants to lose a sale because
the boat doesn’t have the widget the owner needs. Nor do builders want
to lose a sale because a “little more space” here or there would make
the boat perfect.
The problem is even simple boats are a complex balancing act. Moving one
element can affect virtually everything aboard. Even if the boat yard is
willing to make that change (and many are not) few owners are encouraged
when they see the price tag. Add in the fact that boats are not
expandable. You can buy a house and if your lot accommodates, the
addition of a small den is the cost of materials and labor. Add a den to
a production yacht and even if the cost is acceptable, you’ll generally
be faced with the question “what do you want to give up”. There is no
unused space on a boat. The desired change often demands that you
sacrifice some notable feature that drew you to the boat in the first
place.
More flexibility of course enters the picture when you consider custom
designed and custom-built boats. There the envelope is indeed,
expandable. That said it is good to have a fairly clear understanding of
the “gotta-have-elements”, and the “would-be-nice-elements” to keep the
design time (and costs) from turning the creation of your dream into a
lifelong project. With a clip file of things you like, and a good sense
of reality, you and a pro should be able to craft the perfect boat to
meet your needs. Wonton soup and Egg Rolls are extra.
But that’s just my opinion.
|
